Top 5 likely destinations for Zlatan Ibrahimovic next season

Where will Zlatan Ibrahimovic ply his trade next season?“I have another three months here and, then, what will happen? Big things will happen. So let’s see.” Only Zlatan Ibrahimovic can tease the media in such a manner and get away with it. Also read: Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Best QuotesLet’s get one thing out of the way first. Despite being 34 years old, Ibrahimovic is nowhere close to being finished or even over the hill. How else do you explain an average of over 35 goals in his last three seasons? He is well on course to maintaining that average this season too (28 goals so far) in spite of missing a few games this season due to injuries.“Let’s just say I am in good shape,” he said when asked about a possible move to the Premier League. As fans and betting companies salivate at the prospect of seeing Ibrahimovic in the flesh in the Premier League, nobody knows for sure.The Swedish striker is a free agent this summer, so he can choose where he wants to go next. So which is the best club for him? 

#1 Manchester United

Ever since Louis van Gaal took over at Manchester United, there have been a number of questionable buys in attack. Apart from signing Angel Di Maria, who lasted just one season before sealing a move to Paris Saint-Germain – the club he wanted to move to in the first place – there was the loan signing of Radamel Falcao.

The Colombian striker had one of the worst seasons of his career, scoring just 4 goals. Last summer’s clear-out saw a number of forwards leave – Falcao, Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez. The only arrivals to play up front were young Anthony Martial and the inconsistent Memphis Depay who has failed to live up to the no.7 shirt. 

With Wayne Rooney now injured, United are desperate for strikers. Ibrahimovic would be the perfect replacement for any of the players who were let go. The big Swede is strong in the air and even has an eye for goal from both inside and outside the box. For a team that, of late, took ages to have shots on goal, Ibrahimovic would be the ideal no.9 to lead the line.

Of course, this means Rooney would have to drop deeper or play as a support striker. But that’s exactly what Sir Alex Ferguson did when Van Persie was signed and United won the title at a canter. 

United would also be one of the few clubs who could afford his high wages. It would also be a coup for the Premier League to have his talents on display at Old Trafford on a weekly basis. While Manchester City also have the resources, don’t expect Pep Guardiola to make the mistake of signing him again.

And who’s in line to take charge at United? His old Inter boss Jose Mourinho.